Post-Baby Comeback: 12 weeks postpartum

It’s hard to believe that, as of last week, I’m 12 weeks postpartum and Liam will be three months (!!) old this Saturday tomorrow. Last week was a little nutty in our house thanks to potty training, so I needed my runs more than ever. Nothing tests my patience and taxes my ability to deal with messes quite like potty training. I was determined to have a different experience potty training Jack: less tears, less tantrums, less angst than there was with Sophia. Which is why we waited until he and I were both ready to tackle it.

I’m happy to say that after a very shitty (quite literally) week he seems to have caught on really quickly…like stopping in the middle of playing to go pee and peeing in a public restroom with no problems. Like, wow. He fought it until he got it and when he got it, he really got it.

But enough about the potty…

Last week I had a very solid week of training: I hit 8 miles for a long run and ran just over 20 miles for the week. I slacked off a little on the cross training and physical therapy so that has been my focus this week. Here’s how last week shaped up:

Monday: off

Tuesday: (early morning) 6.0 mi; 52:31; 8:44/mi I thought these miles would feel easy after running the 10K pushing the triple stroller on Sunday, but it was tough and every bit as effort-full as any other run.

Wednesday: (early morning) 3.75 mi; 32:48; 8:49/mi Three easy miles followed by 6 strides. Felt tired but good on the strides. Followed by PT moves: clamshells, standing leg raise, prone leg raise.

Thursday: (early evening) 4 mi; 39:52; 10:00/mi I wanted to go and run Gunstock again, but my had to work late at the last minute and I still wanted to get a run in. It was so hot we’d been inside most of the day and we all needed to get out. So I packed up the kids and headed to the trail. It was about 95% humidity so I dripped sweat the whole time. But we got it done, spent a few minutes at the playground and made it back to the car just before a huge thunderstorm blew through.

Sunday: (mid morning) 8 mi; 8:26/mi It was hot, hot and the sun along the coast was scorching. But I managed a good pace and even though I felt like quitting at some moments and walking home, I kept going and finished strong. My last mile was my fastest.

As I build mileage I’m gaining confidence. My plan is to spend August building mileage and then in September head to the track to start up a few speed sessions. And I’ve got my eye on a late September 10K, I know it’ll still be a while till I reach the fitness level I was at last summer, but I’m eager to race again (without the triple) and see where I’m at.

Awesome progress! My own return to running postpartum has stalled a bit, IT band issues. I think I got overzealous and didn’t take enough rest days which has caught up with me. I’m resting for now and will return gradually when I feel no pain. I wonder if I’m overdoing core and PT strength training; how often do you typically do these exercises per week?

I usually do PT/core 2-3 days a week. but the workouts aren’t super intense. I started off with three weeks of two runs per week. Then three weeks of three runs per week. Then three weeks of four runs per week. I’m now getting into five days of running per week. So rest days could be a factor in your IT band issue. I’d recommend seeing a physical therapist before it turns into a full blown injury you’d be amazed at how quickly you can turn things around with some specific exercises from the PT.

In my past two postpartum returns to running I haven’t had any issue with supply. I’ve breastfed until 13-14mo old and at that point both of my other two weaned themselves it seemed. I never initiated the weaning other than introducing solids around 6 months. I haven’t had any issues so far this time. Liam is nursing every three hours at this point and will go for about 6 hours at night so I’m pretty sure my supply is good. I think diet and hydration have a huge part to do with it. I’m not trying to “lose the baby” weight so I’m not restricting any calories and am consciously trying to eat more healthy fats. I’m trying to stay hydrated throughout the day as well.